Fodor's See It Florence and Tuscany, 1st Edition

by FODOR'S

• ISBN13: 9781400015115
• ISBN10: 1400015111
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2005-05-03
• Publisher: Fodor's

Summary

Fodor'ssee it Florence & Tuscanyis perfect for travelers who want to understand the history and culture of Florence and Tuscany before they arrive, and experience the region like a native Italian while they're there. Overflowing with brilliant color photography, this isthe ONLY illustrated guide that provides the practical informationthat you need while travelingcomplete restaurant and hotel reviews with exact prices for lodging and dining (not ranges), plus time-saving tips and how to avoid crowds, exact admission prices to key sights, great photo stops, and special notes on "kid-friendly" attractions throughout. Hotels Our detailed reviews represent the best accommodations in Italy, in all price ranges. From five-star luxury hotels to family-runpensiones, we'll tell you what to expect in terms of price and quality through extensive coverage of hotels and their surrounding neighborhoods,exactprices of double-occupancy rooms (including breakfast), plus pictures of hotel facilities and guestrooms. Restaurants If you want to experience the best that Florence and Tuscany has to offer, pay particular attention to ouroutstanding restaurant coveragethat will help you choose from the thousands of local eateries that cater to every budget and dining experience. From affordable, family-run trattorias to places where you can splurge on a traditional Italian feastlikeCane & Gattoin Sienayou'll find it insee it Florence & Tuscany. Each review covershouse signature dishes,ambiance,ACTUAL prices for a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner(for two people), hours of operation, and what transportation will get you there. The Sights Whether you explore the art and architecture ofFlorence, wander aroundSiena-one of Italy's most perfect medieval cities, climbthe Leaning Tower of Pisaor take a day trip to popular San Gimignano,see it Florence & Tuscaywill take you there. Accessibly written to help you navigate throughout this region without missing a thing, each attraction includes exact admission prices, what galleries and museums not to miss, and where to stop for quick bites and refreshing drinks along the way. Sights are also rated for their"value","walkability","historic and cultural interest", plus we suggest fantastic"photo stops"and entertaining and age-appropriate"kid-friendly"attractions throughout the book. What to Do? Ourshopping walkswill lead you to cutting-edge fashions to fit all budgets, from hip streetwear to expensive fashions for your feet. But, Florence & Tuscany has much more to offer than just sight-seeing and shopping. Fodor'ssee it Florence & Tuscanyprovides insider information onclassical, theatrical, and cinematic performances,Italy's music scene(live jazz to underground youth centres),nightlife, spectator and activity sports, and festivals and events. Atlas and Maps Detailed neighborhood mapsare incorporated throughout the book to help you navigate on historic walks, shopping tours, or to find a restaurant. Plus, a16-page atlasdetails each road and path with highlights of important landmarks, parks, metro stations, and car parking areas. Fodor's see it A brand-new series thatshowsyou before you go,guidesyou while you're there, andmakes the perfect keepsakeon your return.

Table of Contents

Understanding Tuscany	p. 4
Living Tuscany	p. 11
The Landscape of Tuscany	p. 12
The Culture of Tuscany	p. 14
Tuscan Style	p. 16
A Taste of Tuscany	p. 18
Tuscany and Tourism	p. 20
People's Passion	p. 22
The Story of Tuscany	p. 23
900BC-1207: The Birth of a Region	p. 24
1208-1305: An Age of Trade and Conflict	p. 26
1306-1434: The Rise of the Medici	p. 28
1435-1527: The Golden Age	p. 30
1528-1743: The Fall of the Medici	p. 32
1744-1913: Towards Nationhood	p. 34
1914-1966: The Modern Age	p. 36
1967-today: A Region Reborn	p. 38
On the Move	p. 39
Arriving	p. 40
By Air	p. 40
By Bus, Rail, Car and Boat	p. 42
Getting Around	p. 44
Overview	p. 44
In Florence	p. 45
Driving	p. 48
Trains	p. 53
Buses	p. 56
Taxis, Domestic Flights, Domestic Ferries and Bicycles	p. 56
Visitors with a Disability	p. 58
The Sights	p. 59
Florence	p. 60
Northern Tuscany	p. 97
Siena	p. 112
Southern Tuscany	p. 128
What to Do	p. 149
General Introductions	p. 150
Shopping	p. 150
Entertainment	p. 152
Nightlife	p. 153
Sports and Activities	p. 154
Health and Beauty	p. 155
For Children	p. 156
Festivals and Events	p. 157
Listings	p. 158
Florence	p. 158
Northern Tuscany	p. 173
Siena	p. 181
Southern Tuscany	p. 184
Out and About	p. 191
Walks and Drives	p. 192
Florence	p. 193
Northern Tuscany	p. 198
Siena	p. 202
Southern Tuscany	p. 204
Organized Tours	p. 212
Eating and Staying	p. 213
Eating	p. 214
Eating Out in Tuscany	p. 214
Menu Reader	p. 216
Eating Listings	p. 218
Florence	p. 218
Northern Tuscany	p. 226
Siena	p. 231
Southern Tuscany	p. 234
Staying	p. 240
Staying in Tuscany	p. 240
Staying Listings	p. 242
Florence	p. 242
Northern Tuscany	p. 248
Siena	p. 252
Southern Tuscany	p. 255
Hotel Groups in Tuscany	p. 260
Planning	p. 261
Before You Go	p. 262
Practicalities	p. 264
Money	p. 266
Health	p. 268
Finding Help	p. 270
Communication	p. 271
Opening Times and Tickets	p. 272
Media	p. 273
Films and Books	p. 273
Tourist Offices	p. 274
Websites	p. 274
Words and Phrases	p. 275
Architectural Glossary	p. 279
Medici Family Tree	p. 280
Maps	p. 281
Atlas	p. 282
Atlas Index	p. 294
Index	p. 299
Acknowledgments and Credits	p. 308
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